Few things feel better than smooth, hairless skin. While shaving is the quickest way to remove unwanted hair and achieve a smoother complexion, it sometimes results in razor bumps. Razor bumps are relatively harmless, but many people don’t like how they look. After all, shaving is supposed to let you achieve flawless skin.
There are numerous ways to prevent razor bumps and resolve existing ones. At Metro Dermatology, we offer razor bumps removal and services that can help you avoid future razor bumps. Learn about shaving tips for sensitive skin and how to reduce your risk of razor bumps here.
The medical term for razor bumps is “pseudofolliculitis barbae.” Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become trapped under layers of skin. Each follicle continues to grow and push the skin upward with its hair shaft. This results in the small red or pink bumps that we commonly refer to as razor bumps.
The main cause of razor bumps is shaving. After you shave, the hair follicle remains beneath the skin, and it can begin to curve or curl inward. This creates ingrown hair under the skin’s surface.
As this hair grows, it pushes the skin outward and causes inflammation. This irritation appears as a small red or pink bump above the skin. Razor bumps can occur as one bump in an isolated area or be more widespread.
Severe cases of razor bumps are more likely to happen when you have sensitive skin. If you have skin that’s prone to bumps, rashes, or irritation, it’s important to shave correctly. The following are some of the best tips for shaving sensitive skin and avoiding razor bumps.
One of the most important tips for shaving sensitive skin is to use the right products. Using shaving products that are designed for sensitive skin will help minimize razor bumps on neck skin, facial skin, and more. These products include shaving cream and razors that are less likely to irritate the skin and eventually lead to razor bumps.
Sometimes, razor bumps occur when the hair follicle is blocked or regular growth is inhibited. This can occur when dead skin cells or other debris block the follicle. To avoid this scenario, make sure that your skin is cleansed daily and exfoliated about once a week.
A common mistake that people make is shaving short hairs that have not been conditioned. Shaving short, coarse hair causes more friction against the razor and is more likely to lead to irritation.
When you shave longer hairs that have been conditioned beforehand, the hairs are softer and less likely to cause irritation. To reduce the risk of razor burn, you can apply a conditioning lotion or cream prior to shaving.
Another common mistake that can lead to razor bumps on the face or neck skin is shaving against the grain. Shaving against the growth of your hair increases friction and leads to irritation, ingrown hairs, and more. To reduce the risk of razor bumps, you should shave along the grain, in the direction that your hair grows.
One of the best ways to avoid razor bumps is to apply skin care after shaving. Using the proper skin care after shaving can moisturize and soothe the skin to decrease irritation. The result is smoother, healthier skin overall.
On top of using sensitive skin tips, you can also seek facial treatments to get rid of razor bumps. Facial treatments such as resurfacing and exfoliating procedures can deeply cleanse the skin and remove blockages that interfere with proper hair growth.
Many people are prone to razor bumps because they have blocked hair follicles due to dead skin cells, excessive sebum, or other factors. When you have a deep cleansing and exfoliating facial treatment, it can help combat these factors.
Another way to address razor bumps is with antibacterial creams. Sometimes, razor bumps become inflamed and infected. Topical creams with antibacterial properties can address the infected bumps and decrease inflammation, reducing the appearance of razor bumps. These products are typically prescription medications that you will need to obtain from a qualified dermatologist.
If you still struggle with razor bumps even after practicing these sensitive skin tips or having facial treatments, you may need more extensive razor bumps removal. There is only one definitive razor bump cure that can permanently resolve the condition: laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal dives deep beneath the surface of the skin to disable your hair follicles. For this treatment, we use a handheld device that targets laser energy directly at your hair follicles to destroy them, preventing any further growth. After laser hair removal, you no longer have to shave, which permanently prevents razor bumps on neck skin, facial skin, or anywhere else you have the treatment.
If you find yourself consistently getting razor bumps, there are a number of options. Practicing shaving tips for sensitive skin can reduce your risk of developing razor bumps, but you may still experience them in the future. To permanently prevent razor bumps on face skin, neck skin, or in other areas, you may be interested in laser hair removal.
At Metro Dermatology in Queens, NY, we offer laser hair removal treatment for the face and body. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more.
Body contouring is a dynamic approach to reshaping and refining physical appearance, serving as a…
Changes in skin coloration are a normal part of life; no one has a perfectly…
In pursuing aesthetic perfection or simply desiring a more contoured physique, many find themselves at…
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed uneven skin color? Perhaps some areas…
For individuals struggling with breakouts on the upper half of their face, learning how to…